Mini-Chat
by Jon Robinson, Reporter
GARDENS at a historic Ribble Valley mansion that have been hidden away from public eyes for years are set to be revealed later this month.
The owners of Townhead in Slaidburn are inviting people to look around its restored gardens on Sunday, June 28, from 2pm to 5pm.
Built in 1732 the Grade II-listed house was restored recently with the help of Brestwer Bye Architects after the mansion had fallen into rack and ruin.
After more than 70 years of neglect it was taken over in 2008 by new owners who spent £100,000s to restore the property to its former glory.
As a result of the extensive work, which included completely replacing the roof and repairing the floors and stonework, the mansion was taken off English Heritage’s ‘Heritage At Risk’ register in October 2013.
Sandra Johnson, who owns the house, said: "The Walled Garden, historically known as 'The Pleasure Grounds', was the first area to be re-landscaped and re-planted.
"The buttressed walls themselves were a mammoth feat of repair, and the greenhouse, which looked a total wreck, was completely dismantled, repaired and re-built.
"After a major programme of drainage, the garden was ready to begin its transformation to include a 60 metre herbaceous border lined with lavender and thyme, an orchard, a wild flower garden, a vegetable area and a cut flower area.
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"Now in its third season, this walled garden is gaining maturity and giving credit to its former description – the Pleasure Grounds
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